organ

organelles

are the discrete subunits of a cell that are adapted to perform specific functions

universal organelles?

The plasma membrane and ribosomes

cell that contain additional membrane-bound organelles

eukaryotes

nucleus

• Double membrane structure that stores genetic material / DNA

• A nucleolus is a dark region in a nucleus that makes ribosomes 

mitochondria

• Responsible for ATP production (via aerobic cell respiration)

• The inner membrane is highly folded to increase SA:Vol ratio

endoplasmic reticulum

• A membranous network that transports materials via vesicles

• Smooth ER synthesises lipids ; rough ER synthesises proteins

golgi complex

• An assembly of folded membranes used for material secretion

• Material is sorted, stored, modified and exported from the cell

vesicles

• Membrane sacs involved in transport and storage of material

• Peroxisomes are involved in the digestion of toxic metabolites

• Lysosomes are responsible for breaking down cellular wastes

• Vacuoles are comparatively larger sacs that store excess fluid

chloroplast

• Structure responsible for photosynthesis (in plant cells only)

• Uses the pigment chlorophyll to absorb and utilise sunlight

exceptions (cellular components that aren’t considered to be organelles

• Cell walls are not considered organelles as they are extracellular components

• Cytoskeletons and cytosol are categorised as structural elements as opposed to distinctive organelles

centrosome

• Microtubule-organising centre composed of paired centrioles

• Contributes towards mitotic cell division (in animal cells only)